This photograph was
taken by the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader newspaper as the
boys embark aboard HMAS Sydney on Monday February 3, 1969.
The caption reads:
Lance Corporals O'Hara (Joe) Page of Brisbane and Ken Davis of
Oatley are not a bit embarrassed by their cut-out mascot's apparent
reluctance to leave for Vietnam.
They are watched by the Regimental sergeant Major, Warrant officer
John Vagg, of Holsworthy.
The tiger went aboard HMAS Sydney backwards, with Page pulling its
tail and Davis pushing its head.

But there was a reason.

The tiger, of the "tiger in the tank" species was a gift from Esso
(if only they knew!... Ken) to Bravo Company of the 5th Battalion
RAR - the 'Tiger Battalion'. It will grace the company's lines in
Vietnam.